AbstractAim:  To clarify the alterations of myostatin, a member of the transforming growth factor‐β superfamily, and follistatin‐like 3 (FSTL3), a binding protein for myostatin, in pre‐eclamptic women.Methods:  Samples of blood and placenta were collected from 40 pre‐eclamptic women and 40 controls. The serum level and placental expression of FSTL3 and myostatin were determined with enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, real‐time polymerized chain reaction and western blotting.Results:  The serum levels of myostatin and FSTL3 were significantly higher in pre‐eclamptic women than in the controls (P < 0.001 for both). Placental expression of myostatin and FSTL3 were also significantly increased in the pre‐eclamptic placenta compared with that of the controls (P < 0.001 for both); however, there were no significant differences in myostatin or FSTL3 in either the maternal serum or the placenta in women with mild or severe pre‐eclampsia (P > 0.05 for both).Conclusion:  The serum levels and placental expression of myostatin and FSTL3 are elevated in pre‐eclampsia, suggesting the role of myostatin and its binding protein in pre‐eclampsia.